Call for Artists: International Historical Comics Festival Brașov 2026 – Dracula Edition

Brașov, Romania – The organizers of the 9th International Historical Comics Festival Brașov have officially launched the international competition for the 2026 edition, inviting comic artists, illustrators, and graphic storytellers from around the world to explore one of history’s most enduring cultural icons: Dracula.

The competition challenges participants to create an original historical comic that interprets Dracula through history, legend, folklore, literature, or contemporary imagination. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the historical figure of Vlad the Impaler, Bram Stoker’s fictional Count Dracula, or the countless interpretations that have shaped the character’s global legacy.

Open to creators aged 18 and over, the competition welcomes submissions in English, Romanian, or French. Entries must consist of an original, unpublished comic of 2 to 8 pages and must be created entirely by the artist without the use of artificial intelligence. The work must be uploaded here: https://forms.gle/uSHDQF8vFdDyK76r9

Six winning artists will each receive a cash prize of 1,800 RON, together with an invitation to attend the International Historical Comics Festival Brașov, which will take place from 13–16 August 2026 in one of Romania’s most celebrated historic cities. Their work will also be exhibited during the festival and published in the official festival catalogue, providing valuable international recognition and exposure.

With Dracula remaining one of the most recognizable fictional and historical figures in world culture, this year’s competition offers artists an exceptional opportunity to reinterpret the legend through the unique language of comics. Whether inspired by medieval history, Gothic literature, mythology, horror, or cultural heritage, participants are encouraged to present fresh perspectives on a character that continues to fascinate audiences across generations.

The submission deadline is 12 July 2026.

Artists interested in participating are encouraged to review the official competition guidelines and submit their work before the deadline. More details can be found on the History Museum of Brasov County webpage at
https://www.brasovistorie.ro/noutati/lansarea-concursului-festivalului-international-de-benzi-desenate-istorice-brasov-editia-ix

Producer: History Museum of Brasov County

Partners: Forums Association, Coresi Shopping Resort, HISTORIA

National media partners: AGERPRES, revistacomics.ro, zilesinopti.ro

Vlad Dracula timeline

July 1447 – 1476

Events explained by Stefan Andreescu in his book, Vlad Tepes (Dracula) between legend and historical facts, 1976: July 13, 1447: Petru II's rule began in Moldova. July 5, 1450: Bogdan II of Moldova pledged vassalage to Iancu of Hunedoara. July 1455 (Summer): Ottoman armies entered Serbia, besieging Semendria and intending to attack Belgrade. July 3, 1456: Iancu of Hunedoara entrusted Vlad Voivode with the defense of southern Transylvania. July 23, 1456: The siege of Belgrade, defended by Iancu of Hunedoara, by Sultan Mehmet II ended. July 1462 (first half or middle): A battle between Vlad and Radu the Handsome's Turkish contingent occurred. July 11, 1462: Mehmet II and his army were back in Adrianopole in disarray, entering the city at night, after the campaign in Wallachia against Vlad the Impaler. July 17, 1462: News from "Venetian merchants" about a major defeat of the Ottoman Sultan by Vlad the Impaler on June...

Bram Stoker's Dracula timeline

July 6, 1897

The ship Demeter finishes taking in its cargo of silver sand and boxes of earth at Varna and sets sail to England.

July 1, 1897

Dr. Seward instructs Renfield to get rid of his spiders, which have become a nuisance. Renfield disgusts the doctor by catching and eating a large blow-fly, claiming it is "strong life" that gives life to him.

June 30, 1897

Jonathan makes a final attempt to find a key by scaling the wall to the Count's room and descending again to the chapel. He finds the Count gorged with blood and attempts to kill him with a shovel, but only manages to gash the Count's forehead. As the Szgany and Slovaks arrive to transport the boxes of earth, Jonathan realizes he is trapped. He decides to attempt a final, desperate escape by climbing down the outer castle wall over the precipice.